Managing the impact of transphobia in public discourse
For trans and nonbinary students across the UK, it’s not just your studies that shape student life - it’s also the headlines, the comment sections, the policy changes that can feel uncomfortably personal. Public conversations about trans lives are often intense and dehumanising, and their effects can seep into everyday experiences such as on campus, online, and in private.
When the world feels hostile, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, isolated or unsure how to cope. The emotional impact of this is very real for trans people, and can affect our everyday lives and experiences. You deserve space to feel what you’re feeling, and access to support that recognises what you’re navigating.
This article offers compassionate, practical suggestions to help you take care of your mental health while existing in a culture that can, at times, be unsafe or unkind.
Recognise that what you’re feeling is valid
Maybe you’re feeling numb, exhausted, frustrated, or anxious. Maybe you’re finding it harder to concentrate, or withdrawing from things you usually enjoy, or struggling with your studies. These aren’t personal failings—they’re natural reactions to living under stress and scrutiny. You are having a human response to a hostile climate that sometimes only seems to be getting worse. Giving yourself permission to feel that, acknowledge it and address it is an important part of navigating it.
Below are some suggestions and tools that you can use to help.
- Set healthy boundaries with news and social media
It’s important to stay informed, but not at the cost of your wellbeing. You’re allowed to protect your mental space and take a break from it all.
Some options to consider:
Mute or unfollow accounts and keywords that drain you or cause you anxiety
Limit time spent reading comments, forums, or online debates
Choose a few reliable sources for updates—avoid the doom scroll
Schedule intentional time away from your phone or laptop, such as a coffee date with someone where you don’t bring your phone, or a walk in the woods
It’s not about disconnecting from reality—it’s about protecting your capacity to face it, and recharging and taking time off for yourself to live and just be.
- Build (or return to) affirming community
University can be a lonely place—especially if you don’t see yourself reflected in the people around you. But it can also be a place where you find your community – and community doesn’t have to be loud or political to be healing and affirming.
You might:
Reach out to LGBTQ+ societies or campus networks
Spend time with people who support you as who you are, such as family members or close friends who are allies
Spend time with other trans and non-binary friends who just get it
Attend queer-led events, even if just to observe and feel less alone
Connect with affirming creators or small online groups that feel safe
Sometimes, it only takes one conversation to shift your sense of belonging.
- Remind yourself that policies don’t define you
When public discourse questions your rights, it can feel like your existence is up for debate. That can be deeply destabilising—but the reality is this:
You are not a debate. Your life isn’t controversial. Who you are is real and valid, no matter what gets published or passed into law. No one can take who you are away from you. That power is yours alone.
Trans and non-binary people have always existed, and will continue doing so regardless. Reminding yourself of that and drawing strength from your community is the best way to stay grounded, aware and connected.
- Take action, if you feel it helps you
When things feel out of control, taking action can help restore a sense of agency. That could look like:
Supporting trans-led organisations or charities
Sharing your story in a safe, chosen context
Contributing to peer education, activism, or creative projects on campus
Simply continuing to exist with pride—especially when that’s not easy
But also remember: you don’t have to do anything right now. Your rest is also resistance. Taking time for yourself is valuable.
Listen to Avery's expereince getting started with trans activism >>
- Reach out for support - you don’t have to do this alone
You are not expected to manage everything by yourself. There is help available, and asking for support is a courageous and valid choice.
Student Minds offers a variety of support that you can access:
You can also speak to:
University wellbeing services or LGBTQ+ student reps at your University
National services like MindOut, Switchboard, Gendered Intelligence, or the LGBT Foundation
There is no “right” reason to reach out. If you’re struggling, you’re deserving of support—full stop.
- Make space for joy, rest and imagination
When the climate is heavy, it’s easy to lose sight of what brings you joy. But rest, pleasure and creativity are not luxuries—they are life-giving.
You’re allowed to:
Take a break from the discourse
Watch something silly, play a game, draw something weird
Spend time with people who make you feel at ease
Daydream, make plans, or do nothing at all
You are not responsible for holding the world together. Sometimes, joy is the resistance.
And remember:
You don’t need to be strong all the time. You don’t need to have the answers. And you are absolutely not alone. You deserve to feel safe, supported and seen within your university, and you deserve a safer space to focus on your studies without challenges.
Our community has been through hard times before where things seemed pretty bleak and hopeless - but our community is strong, and and will continue to persevere like it always has. This too will pass, and we’ll come out stronger on the other side.
This world can feel unkind, but there is space for you here—on your campus, in your community, and with Student Minds.
You belong here. Not in spite of who you are, but because of who you are.
Take care. We’re with you.